A Year 10 Holy Cross College student from Ellenbrook has been recognised in Canberra today for their outstanding entry to a prestigious national history competition.

Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter, today announced Daniel Docker as the winner for Western Australia in the 2018 Simpson Prize.

“The Simpson Prize is an annual national competition, supported by the Australian Government, that focuses on the significance of Anzac Day and the Anzac tradition,” Mr Porter said.

“Daniel’s entry examined whether 1917 was the worst year of the Great War for Australia and Australians and demonstrated a deep understanding of the Anzac tradition and its importance to our national identity.

“Daniel’s winning essay was selected from 1134 entries from Year 9 and 10 students across Australia.

“It was my pleasure to present Daniel with his medallion and certificate in Canberra today - this is a fantastic achievement and he should be extremely proud of what he has accomplished.”

While in Canberra Daniel will participate in a number of visits to cultural institutions, including the Australian War Memorial

“The winners of the Simpson Prize will soon depart for Europe where they will attend Anzac commemorations and visit the scene of key World War One battlefields,” Mr Porter said.

“I have no doubt that Daniel will be an outstanding ambassador for his school and for Western Australia and this will be a life-changing experience for him.”

Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham congratulated Daniel for the dedication, effort and curiosity that he had applied to the study of history.

“The Simpson Prize is an important way to ensure Australia’s history is recognised by current Year 9 and 10 students and future generations, Minister Birmingham said.”

“All of today’s winners have shown themselves to be excellent young historians with a detailed, well researched and sophisticated understanding of this important part of Australia’s history.

“That’s why the Turnbull Government has committed $606,000 over three years to the History Teachers’ Association of Australia to manage the Simpson Prize.”